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It was always hard to really process just how much could change in such a short span of time. Nohr and Hoshido were so close nowadays that it wasn't uncommon to find Hoshidans going to Nohr for holidays and vice versa. It was all thanks to her in law Corrin.
Scarlet couldn't help but smile at the thought of how much her life had improved. She started as a rebel under an oppressive regime, now she was the Queen of Hoshido. When she decided to defect from Nohr, she had no idea it'd lead to her ruling over the opposing nation. She sometimes felt a bit weird about it, thanks to her… well, self.
She always struggled to sit still. Scarlet was more of a fighter, a scrappy sort of person. She didn't like the idea of sitting on the side lines, telling other people to do this that or the other thing while she sat in the safety of her home.
That's something Garon would do, and has done. Sure he'd fight here and there, but for the most part he simply forced his children to do it. The former queen, Mikoto, wasn't too much of a fighter either, but she made up for it by just being herself. Being such a loving queen who would die for her people… she wasn't sure if she could live up to that.
Yes, she risked her life in battle, but she didn't really have the charm and charisma that her predecessor had. Being willing to put one's life on the line wasn't the only thing that made a queen. Thankfully her husband Ryoma and son Shiro would always insist she was more than enough of a successor. She really did love those two to death.
It wasn't just them, her brother in law Takumi seemed to struggle with similar feelings of inadequacy, even if he didn't want to admit it. So he'd always be there for her too, reassuring her. Her sisters in law, Hinoka and Sakura, were great too. Hinoka would joke that she was glad she married Ryoma and helped him make it to the end of the war, specifically because she thought she'd make a horrible queen. Sakura, as soft spoken as she was, always offered her opinions and support. She was an amazing little sister.
Scarlet was so elated to have such a huge family. That wasn't even taking into account the Nohrians. She wasn't sure if they were siblings per say, but they all meant a lot to her too. She was so happy that she was going to get to see them today.
If you asked Scarlet or Ryoma earlier this year if they'd be willing to invite the opposing royal family to his winter festival dinner, they may have asked if they were a Nohrian spy. Thankfully, this wasn't earlier this year. She was a bit sad Corrin, who now ruled over Valla, couldn't make it. They were sadly busy still working on reforms for their nation, but she was also proud of them for how hard they were fighting despite the circumstances of basically having a new nation thrown at their lap.
"Ryoma?" Scarlet asked as she turned towards her husband. "How's are the chefs doing?"
"They're wrapping up." He answered. "The decorations?"
"Wrapping up too!" She chirped.
Ryoma smiled. "Excellent. This winter festival dinner will be amazing."
Scarlet fist pumped. "You said it!"
Ryoma couldn't help but laugh in response, prompting her to raise an eyebrow. She wasn't sure what was so funny about a simple show of excitement.
"Apologies Scarlet. I'm just… happy. So happy that ascending to royalty hasn't changed you at all. I know you have your doubts but… I thank the gods that you are still yourself."
"Ryoma… Oh stop!"
Scarlet smiled and giggled. It hadn't been the first time he said something like that. Yet it still made her flustered all the same. Like she was back in the days before they were married. All that to say, he hadn't changed either, which was a great thing. To have such a loving husband, it was something she'd never take for granted.
Ryoma chuckled. "Why should I? Afraid of the truth my darling?"
Scarlet smirked. "Perhaps a bit."
The two descended into laughter. Scarlet wished she could drop everything and kiss him right now. However, they still had things to do. While they did have time, that would pass before they knew it.
"We should probably get back to work." Scarlet suggested. "As much as I love staring at you, we do have guests coming."
Ryoma folded his arms and nodded. "Indeed. I'd hate for the Nohrians to look down on us for being ill-prepared."
Scarlet shook her head fondly. He completely glossed over the compliment. Ryoma was so good at keeping his poker face, but she knew that he appreciated her affection. He was probably also genuinely focused on other things, two things could be true.
Even if they were on good terms now, there was still a warrior's spirit within him. One who hated to lose. It was nice that their rivalry was more friendly now, as opposed to its former vitriol.
It was yet another one of his many traits that she loved. He was such a kind man, and a great king. He forgave the Nohrians, being fully aware that they weren't really at fault for what happened. Sure, without Corrin they would've most likely kept being enemies, but it was still Ryoma's chivalry that kept those relationships strong. Of course, King Xander was equally responsible, relationships are a two way street, but she was allowed to hype up her husband a bit.
"Sure sure Ryo." She teased. "Now if you're done thinking about your crush, let's get going."
"Please, we both know I'm out of his league." He said with a flip of his hair and a laugh.
She happily laughed with him. Should Xander be here, she was sure he'd playfully argue back. Either that or get genuinely offended, unaware that Ryoma was messing with him. It could go either way, but she was sure that which ever way it'd go, it'd be a fun time. As would the night of the winter festival itself. It'd be a dinner to remember.
Scarlet was thankful she wasn't a shy person, or else she may have felt overwhelmed by the amount of people at the dining table. She sometimes felt that big wigs lived a bit too extravagantly, but this was not one of those times. Not only were the four Nohrian royals here, but so were some of their spouses and children. She was a bit surprised they all managed to fit at one table.
Scarlet was also worried earlier they were making too much food, but given how hungry some of the people here were, she was starting to think they actually hadn't made enough! Plate after plate vanished and had to be replaced. They still had plenty, but at this rate, she wasn't sure for how long.
Granted, she wasn't helping. She was pretty hungry herself. Shiro had to get his appetite from somewhere after all. She wouldn't have been surprised if she had the most plates so far, or at least top 3. She wasn't counting.
She may have had to help straighten up as a result. She felt a bit bad, and didn't want others cleaning up her mess. The maids and butlers would probably try their damnedest to stop her, but they'd also probably know it'd be an exercise in futility. When her mind was set, it was set in stone.
That was a problem for later though, for now she'd continue to enjoy the company of her friends and family. Their silly jokes prompting her to laugh, their smiles making her smile, it was nigh impossible for her to feel bad when she was around them.
"So then he said, 'you Nohrians should go jump off a cliff!' So I replied, 'already have buster!'"
The room roared with laughter as Scarlet hit the table a few times as she cracked up. Elise really could be hilarious. She had a way of lighting up the room just with her mere presence. It was probably part of why Sakura liked her so much, and why they were best friends. A friendship that'd probably go on for the rest of their lives.
"As amusing as that is though, I apologize that you had to go through that Elise." Ryoma said solemnly.
"Your concern is appreciated Lord Ryoma." Xander began. "However, Elise would not be bringing this up if she was that upset about it."
Elise grinned. "Yeah! Don't feel bad Lord Ryoma!"
Ryoma nodded with a smile. "Appreciated. I do hope the rest of Hoshido will become accustomed to your presence soon."
Leo scowled. "It'd be appreciated." He then shrugged. "It's not as if Hoshidans who visit Nohr are free of scorn or discrimination either. We both have things about our nations we need to work out. It's only a matter of time. With it, wounds heal, and people can move on."
Elise put her hands on the table with a wink. "Don't try to sound so cool Leo!"
"Wh-" He sputtered while blushing.
"Well said." Camilla agreed, though Scarlet felt it was partly to save Leo's pride. "As much as I'd love for people to accept each other with ease, I know it's just… not possible."
Scarlet frowned. She had to agree with her that she wished people could move past their preconceptions with a snap of her fingers. She also had to agree that it just wasn't that simple. Some were just stubborn, but others were genuinely hurting, and had to work through that. Both have lost loved ones to the other nation, reasoning be damned. Even if she could, she wouldn't force people to just get over their baggage. She wasn't a tyrant, and this wasn't a battle that'd be won with violence.
"It's why we will continue to fight for a better future." Ryoma said with authority. "A world where everyone can go where they please, where borders won't be walls."
Scarlet chuckled. "I guess at dinners like these, talking politics is inevitable."
Takumi sighed. "At least we're all in agreement."
Hinoka snorted. "Even if we weren't, I don't think we'd kick each other out over it. We'd do our best to come to some sort of understanding, or agree to disagree at worst."
"Partly because it'd cause a scandal." Scarlet joked.
Sakura shivered. "I hope not. I'm g-glad I met you all, and I'd hate to lose that."
"Don't worry Sakura! You're stuck with us!" Elise reassured with a cheer.
Scarlet grinned at her declaration. The bonds they forged were stronger than steel. They fought together through Valla after all. It's hard to battle alongside someone who you don't think has your back. Now that the war was over, they were still here, together. They still stood by each other, still had fun with each other. Even more than was really needed. The only thing they had to do was interact for diplomatic reasons.
There was no need to be here, chatting the night away with Nohr. Yet they did anyway. Those were the best times. Just enjoying people's company for the sake of company, not for some greater purpose or goal. Even though they're all busy people, ruling nations and all, they still found time for these little moments that meant the world.
Scarlet hit Ryoma's armor with the back of her hand. "Thanks for everything Ryoma."
Ryoma rose an eyebrow. "What did I do?"
"A buncha stuff to be honest. I owe you my life after all. Right now though, I just… appreciate you being the kinda man you are." She complimented. "I know it's kinda out of nowhere but, it just crosses my mind sometimes. Not to mention, this yearly tradition was your idea after all."
"Was it? I had already forgotten." Ryoma admitted sheepishly.
Scarlet closed her eyes and grinned. "Never change Ryoma. Never change."
The chatter continued until the sun began to set. Despite how late it was going, the party showed no signs of wrapping up. The celebration was going to go as long as it could. If there was one thing Scarlet prided her nation on, it was that they knew had to have a party. Especially now that the kingdom wasn't in as bad shape as it was before.
Hoshidans were no slouches either. Their nation wide celebrations were always so extravagant. Yet another way that the nations were more similar than they were different. She was glad that at least the royalty had come to realize that. There were plenty of common folks who knew that too. It was only a matter of time before the rest joined them.
She knew that was a bit optimistic, but she had faith in Ryoma's people. Her people. Their people, their country. Even if that bigotry free world they longed for wouldn't come in their life time, they'd pass the responsibility onto their children. Those children would hopefully do the same to theirs, and one day, things would start looking up.